Category Archives: How to Be a Great Boss

Why do good people quit their jobs? According to a Gallup poll, bad bosses are at the top of the list. So what does it take to be a good boss? Check out the articles in this section to learn how you can become a better boss and keep your employees motivated and happy.

Challenge Employees with Coaching and Mentoring Programs

by

Dana’s staff is constantly asking her what they need to do to get promoted. Her four direct reports are especially anxious to move ahead in the company. Neither the company nor Dana herself has a definitive mentoring program. She realizes that she needs to make some drastic changes in mentoring her staff in order to help them grow and be offered the opportunities they deserve.

In the absence of a formal corporate mentoring program, Dana takes steps to develop a mentoring program of her own. She meets with her direct reports and together they develop a simple two-part strategy. First, Dana will make new, high profile projects available to all who want them and encourage them to volunteer. Second, she will raise awareness of staff members’ accomplishments by proactively messaging not only her boss and peers but those C-level employees above them. The four staff … Continue reading Challenge Employees with Coaching and Mentoring Programs →

How to Deal with Dissenters in the Workforce

by

At a team meeting, Valerie pitched a marketing strategy she’d been thinking about for a while. A fellow team member vocally outlined a number of holes in the plan, leaving Valerie feeling shaken. She’d believed this was the best idea she’d ever brought to the table.

“Dealing with dissenters in the workplace can be scary,” a colleague told her later over coffee. “It forces you to get outside of your comfort zone and hear criticism about your ideas, your performance, or group dynamics that might sting at first.” Often it’s hard to hear because it’s expressed with a tone of anger or frustration, her colleague acknowledged. He then added, “But dissent is actually a gift—it points out gaps that need to be filled, weaknesses that need to be strengthened. When you’re open to hearing dissent, you’ll continually improve your best ideas. Plus, open communication is key to building … Continue reading How to Deal with Dissenters in the Workforce →

5 Ways to Empower Your Employees to Reach Their Full Potential

by

“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.”

~ General George Smith Patton, Jr.

Employees are a valuable resource that are frequently overlooked. By working with employees to maximize their skills and productivity, leaders will help increase each employee’s value to the company. You need to learn the most effective ways to empower employees to achieve their greatest potential. Here are a few things you can do now:

1 – Listen to your employees.

No one knows their jobs better than they do. If they come to you with suggestions to make their jobs easier, hear them out. Employees often come up with great ideas to increase their productivity, but if their managers don’t listen, they give up trying to make things better.

2 – Don’t feel threatened.

Some of your … Continue reading 5 Ways to Empower Your Employees to Reach Their Full Potential →

How to Become a Better Mentor

by

Tamra asks: When I asked my direct reports for feedback on my own performance recently, I was surprised by the answer one of them gave. He said he’d love more mentoring to help him get to the next level in his career. I feel like I always take time to check in about how my staff can improve. We have frequent one-on-ones, and I’m told I’m very approachable. How can I become a better mentor? What am I missing when it comes to mentoring them to the next level?

Joel answers: Mentoring has many dimensions, so it’s really not surprising that you’re excelling in some key ways but have room to improve in others.

Here’s what it sounds like the core issue is: It’s time to take the mystery out of the promotion process. Your people are getting a lot of support from you in their growth, … Continue reading How to Become a Better Mentor →

How to Become a Better Leader

by

What is the one thing that makes someone a leader? The answer is simple: leaders have followers. A true leader is someone people follow because they want to, not because they have to. If your employees are following your orders only because you are their boss and they don’t want to get fired, you are not a leader. Here are a couple of tips I give when I speak at conventions, conferences, and special events that can help you become a better leader.

Let Your Employees Do Their Jobs

For the most part, your employees know how to do their jobs. They do not need you to micromanage every little detail. Employees tend to be more productive when they can adapt procedures to meet their needs. Show Your Employees that You Care

If your employees know that you are truly interested in helping them be successful … Continue reading How to Become a Better Leader →

3 of the Most Effective Ways to Provide Feedback

by

I’ve come across many star employees, even those with top executive leadership skills who find the area of performance reviews a mundane, tiresome task. It doesn’t matter if they themselves are being reviewed or if they are the reviewers; some people just shun the idea of giving and receiving feedback.

Why? Maybe it’s because they don’t want to face a difficult, uneasy situation if it may arise. Some feel they might be humiliating their colleagues or there are those who don’t want to voice their opinion because they fear being disliked. Then there is the defensive type. These people find it hard to take criticism. Others can’t give effective feedback because they don’t want to hurt their co-workers’ feelings.

Whatever the reason, one important point to keep in mind is that there is no such thing as positive or negative feedback—it’s just … Continue reading 3 of the Most Effective Ways to Provide Feedback →